Milly Gaines
Erythritol and Splenda are both sugar alternatives that can be used to make keto-friendly ice cream. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small quantities in fruits and fungi like grapes, melons, and mushrooms. It has a negligible amount of calories and carbs and does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. It also may prevent dental plaque and cavities compared to other sweeteners. However, it can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some people and has a cooling sensation on the tongue.
Splenda, also known as sucralose, is a synthetic sweetener created in laboratories from chemicals and other substances. It is one of the most common sugar substitutes in flavored water enhancers and sugar-free drinks. It contains no calories or carbs and hasn't been shown to raise blood sugar or insulin levels in most studies. However, sweetener packets of Splenda contain nearly 1 gram of carb each from dextrose.
When it comes to making keto ice cream, erythritol is often preferred over Splenda because it is a more natural option and has negligible calories and carbs. However, erythritol can cause digestive issues in some people, so it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Ultimately, the choice between erythritol and Splenda for keto ice cream depends on personal preference and tolerance to these sweeteners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Erythritol | Natural sweetener, has a cooling sensation on the tongue, may cause bloating, gas and diarrhea in some people, may prevent dental plaque and cavities, is generally well-tolerated by most people, is easy to use to replace real sugar in recipes |
| Splenda | Synthetic sweetener, has a negligible amount of calories and carbs, doesn't raise blood sugar or insulin levels, is more expensive than erythritol, is sold in packets that contain almost 1 gram of carbs each from dextrose, is generally recognized as safe by the FDA |
What You'll Learn
Erythritol and Splenda have different freezing points
On the other hand, Splenda is a popular brand of sucralose, an artificial sweetener made from sugar via a multi-step chemical process. It is 600 times sweeter than table sugar and has no calories or carbs. It is generally recognized as safe by the FDA but has been the subject of controversy due to mixed research results on its health effects. Some studies suggest that it may increase blood sugar and insulin levels, especially when consumed with carbs.
When used in ice cream, erythritol freezes very hard and yields an icy texture. This can be mitigated by letting the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. In contrast, ice cream made with Splenda yields a softer, more scoopable texture similar to that of ice cream made with sugar. However, Splenda packets contain dextrose, a type of sugar, so it is not completely sugar-free.
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Erythritol and Splenda have different effects on blood sugar
Splenda, on the other hand, is a non-nutritive sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar. It is made by chlorinating sugar (sucrose) and has no calories. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used in diet foods and drinks. It has been approved for use in food and drinks by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU). However, there are concerns about its effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. Some studies have shown that it can raise blood sugar and insulin levels, especially when consumed with carbs. It has also been linked to increased appetite and intake, especially in female and overweight people.
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Erythritol and Splenda have different aftertastes
Splenda, on the other hand, is an artificial sweetener made from sucralose. It is 600 times sweeter than sugar and has no calories or carbs. It is generally considered safe for consumption but may increase blood sugar and insulin levels when consumed with carbs. It also has a bitter aftertaste and is challenging to cook with.
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Erythritol and Splenda have different textures
Splenda, on the other hand, is a popular brand of sucralose, a synthetic sweetener. It is one of the most common sugar-free sweeteners in commercial gums and mouthwashes. It contains no calories or carbs and hasn’t been shown to raise blood sugar or insulin in most studies, but sweetener packets of Splenda contain nearly 1 gram of carb each from dextrose. The FDA considers Splenda safe when used in moderation, but some researchers believe that its safety requires further study. Additionally, people have reported side effects from consuming Splenda, such as headaches and dizziness, among others. Although there have been several anecdotal reports of Splenda sensitivity, results from trials have been mixed.
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Erythritol and Splenda have different costs
Splenda, on the other hand, is a synthetic sweetener created in laboratories from chemicals and other substances (like sugar, in the case of sucralose). It is one of the most common sugar substitutes in commercial gums and mouthwashes and is also sold in packets under the brand names Sunett and Sweet One. Splenda packets contain dextrose, which does contribute calories and carbs. Splenda has no calories or carbs and hasn't been shown to raise blood sugar or insulin levels in most studies, but sweetener packets of Splenda contain nearly 1 gram of carb each from dextrose. The FDA considers Splenda safe when used in moderation, but some researchers believe that its safety requires further study. Splenda is 600 times sweeter than sugar.
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Frequently asked questions
Erythritol is better for homemade keto ice cream. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small quantities in fruits and fungi like grapes, melons and mushrooms. It has a negligible amount of calories and carbs and does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. It also doesn't have the same mouthfeel as sugar - it has a cooling sensation on the tongue.
For keto and low carb ice cream, you can use heavy cream, eggs, and sweeteners, which make delightfully rich and highly satisfying ice cream. Dairy-free recipes use coconut cream and almond milk instead of heavy cream.
Yes, you can make keto ice cream without an ice cream maker. You can use a freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring frequently until completely solid.
Yes, you can make keto ice cream with almond milk or coconut milk. Neither has as much fat as heavy cream, so the ice cream may seem a bit icy when it freezes. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-7 minutes to soften before serving.
